South Africa: Racism within the coloured community must be addressed urgently August 28, 2006

For our readers not familar with South Africa, the definition for term ‘coloured’ is (from wikipedia):

In South Africa the term Coloured is used exclusively to refer to people of mixed-race, or Khoisan descent, with the term black used for black Africans. “Coloured” was one of the racial groups designated under the Apartheid system of racial segregation, along with “Black”, “White” and “Indian”. The term is not generally considered offensive in South Africa. Most Coloured South Africans have a cultural identity distinct both from that of Blacks and Whites; some (particularly those who have non-Coloured parents) may adopt the cultural identity of one (or both) of their parents.

On returning from Britain in 2002, I was revolted by the disgusting racism from the coloured community towards blacks.

Having lived in a liberal country where racism is frowned upon, it was a shock to come home and experience such racism first hand.

I found most coloureds treat blacks with utter contempt and view them as third-class citizens in Cape Town. Some openly say they wish the pass laws could be brought back, while the k-word is brandished at every opportunity.

In London most white expat South Africans were to blame for such crude behaviour. However, if you avoided South African hangouts you could blissfully enjoy London. Coming home, I expected a difference but was sadly mistaken, as I was soon sickened by racism towards blacks by coloureds almost daily.

Growing up in the coloured community was extremely difficult if you didn’t have the correct hair texture and fine facial features most coloureds strive for. Today, “boesman”, “korrelkop” and “hotnot” are commonly used by coloureds to insult others in the coloured community.

As a coloured, if you had features that were more African you were ostracised, or worse, tolerated but always made to feel inferior. Today it is a bit more subtle but not much.

Racism and religious bigotry within the coloured community knows no bounds. In the last local government election I heard community members state that they would not vote for a Muslim or for an African. This upset me so much that I wanted to resign from all community work in my area.

I was convinced by the more moderate and progres-sive members of the colour-ed community not to do so.

It gives me hope that there are those within the coloured community who strive for a progressive society but we have a very long way to go.

Racism within the coloured community is of extreme concern and must be addressed urgently.